Former leader of the opposition, Tony Leon is a South African politician turned consultant, who regularly contributes to leading publications. Backed by over four decades in senior politics, and extensive experience in the private sector, Tony is highly sought after to offer keynote talks on the topics of crisis communications, reputation management and political impact on businesses. As a corporate speaker, Tony’s public profile ensures he is not only recognisable to guests, but a trusted authority, able to transform the potential and understanding of all in attendance.
Best recognised for the 13 years he spent as the Leader of the Democratic Alliance; Tony is credited with growing the party from a marginal group to the second most powerful political party in South Africa. Recognised as a progressive politician, Tony was involved in the democratizing of South Africa and Chaired the Fundamental Rights committee. He is the longest serving leader of the opposition for the country, since the introduction of democracy. Further to his esteemed leadership, having previously represented the Progressive Party, Tony was appointed Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, under Jacob Zuma in 2009.
In recent years, Tony has remained a prominent figure in South Africa, and international affairs, and his contributions to Business Day, Sunday Times and the Times are highly acclaimed. He has published four books, including the award-winning biography ‘On the Contrary’ which won the Best Work of Non-Fiction in 2009. Professionally, Tony has transitioned to corporate roles, at Resolve Communications where he is the Executive Chairman and K2 Intelligence as an advisor. In these positions, Tony offers practical strategies for risk management, advocacy and high pressure communications.
Voted within the top 20 of SABC3’s Top 100 Great South Africans, Tony is an admired speaker on the circuit, thanks to his influential political career. Known as a fearless voice in the fight for democracy, Tony’s contributions have been history defining, something which he discusses as at events. Additionally, his first-hand experience in the public and private sector ensures he is equipped to advise corporate clients on business strategy for success. As one of South Africa’s most prominent politicians, Tony’s talks are eloquently delivered with humour and value for all in attendance.
How to hire Tony Leon
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Tony Leon for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
When he's at corporate events, Leon covers the following topics:
- What happened and What’s Next?
- Russian Roulette? – What amending the Constitution to allow Expropriation without Compensation Means
- Ramaphoria and Ramareality
- Behind Embassy Walls
- Opposite Mandela
- Africa-Beyond the Headlines and Behind the Numbers – From Prowling Lions to Black Swans and Hidden Dragons.
- Lessons from the Latins
- Power of disruption – Politics and Business
Leon is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read his latest feedback below:
“It was a privilege to see you in action with the Public Protector. Your anecdotes and fast-paced questions made the event much more enjoyable than the mind-numbing match currently going on with England and Afghanistan. The audience were hanging on to every word said, and it was due to your method of interviewing Thuli that made the evening.” – Craig Nudelman, Head of Media and Public Affairs, Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputy
“Thank you very much for being with us at The Owners Forum Middle East & Africa 2019. It was a true privilege to have you and Mr. De Klerk share your insights on ‘South Africa Yesterday and Today’. Your thoughtful contribution provided a valuable perspective for dialogue at The Owners Forum Middle East & Africa 2019 and has received very positive feedback from our participants.” – Paul Dietze, The Owners Forum
“A very sincere THANK YOU for being such a splendid guest speaker at our recent lunch. You were brilliant. I am very honest if I say that you have been the best and most eloquent, suave, interesting and entertaining speaker since I have been chairman for the past two and a half years. You are a real star.” – Anet Pienaar Vosloo, Chairperson of the Adele Searll Ladies Club
- 2021 – Author of “Future Tense: Reflections On My Troubled Land”
- 2014 – Advisor, K2 Business Intelligence
- 2014 – Author of “Opposite Mandela: Encounters with South Africa’s Icon
- 2013 – Executive Chairman, Resolve Communications
- 2013 – Author of “The Accidental Ambassador”
- 2012 – Columnist, Business Day
- 2009 – Ambassador, Supreme Court of South Africa
- 2008 – Author of “On the Contrary”
- 2007 – IOP Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
- 1999 – Leader of the Opposition Party, Parliament of South Africa
- 1998 – Author of “Hope & Fear: Reflections of a Democrat”
- 1985 – Attorney, Supreme Court of South Africa
